Panthers know how to take their shots

Two-game total of 105 shots is most in NHL since 1994

November 6, 2010|By Harvey Fialkov, Sun Sentinel

RALEIGH, N.C. — Since when have the Panthers become big shots?

Not only have the Panthers put together consecutive games with at least 50 shots on goal for the first time in franchise history, the 105 combined shots against the Thrashers and Hurricanes are the most since the 1994 Rangers put up 107 shots against the Panthers (54) and Flames (53). According to Stats Inc. the 105 shots ties for third most in the past 30 years.

"That's something we haven't had for some time, so it's nice to see guys putting the puck on the net,'' said Panthers forward Radek Dvorak, who had two key assists in Friday's 7-4 win over Carolina. "And we got rewarded for that.''

The Panthers, who were ranked 25th in goals when skating 5-on-5 last year are now tied for the league lead in that category with 29 goals.

"I've been preaching puck possession and offensive zone play for three years here, being able to play in the other team's end,'' Panthers coach Pete DeBoer said. "I think the reason we're getting 50 shots a night on some nights where we have never had that before, is we got guys in the offensive zone now.

"It's been a process. We're definitely playing the way I envisioned now more than any other year.''

Stillman out

Panthers forward Cory Stillman sustained a rotator cuff injury to his right shoulder in the first period Friday and will be out for at least two weeks. He will not need surgery, DeBoer said Saturday.

Stillman, Dvorak and MartyReasoner have been the Panthers' most consistent two-way line this season. Chris Higgins will fill in.

"Right from day one they've really embraced the role of being a momentum-type line of starting periods and ending games, being out there critical times like last night [against Carolina's top line],'' DeBoer said.

No overtime pay

For the first time in franchise history, the Panthers have played their first 11 games without going to overtime. The Panthers went the first 10 games without an extra session in the 1995-96 season before losing to the Islanders 5-4 in OT in game No. 12.

"We've been practicing [shootouts] for a month and we haven't had one yet. We're feeling pretty good about our shootout percentage right now,'' DeBoer said.